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Along with two of my closest friends, I went to Salem, Massachusetts, for the first time, in July 2025. Salem still lingers in my mind like a story I haven’t fully finished reading. Maybe just the name “Salem” sends a shiver down your spine—or maybe you picture Halloween on an eternal loop. Witches, flickering candles, fog, and shadows that dance just out of sight. The atmosphere really is that charged. It feels like a town chasing its last ghost, tucked inside creaky hotel hallways and whispered legends. I’ll admit it: part of me was secretly hoping for something surreal. A chill in the air. A door that creaks open, or closed, without a gust of wind at it's aid. A trembling light that flickers and goes out just as I walked past. But that electric, otherworldly thrill never quite arrived. And yet—Salem worked its magic in a different way. Despite all the bewitched energy and ghost-hunting expectations, the town greets you with an unexpected warmth.  Salem, MA, is filled with unique shops offering tarot readings, ghost tours, and more. The shops are cozy and strange in the best way—filled with crystals, spell books, handmade candles, and things you didn’t know you needed until you touched them. The people? Kind, curious, and refreshingly quirky. There’s a softness behind the theatrical, and every street corner feels like it’s holding onto a secret—just waiting for the right person to listen. And yes—everything is about witches. Even the fire trucks proudly say "Witch City Fire Department".  The town doesn’t run from its past—it paints it on every surface, laughs with it, lives with it, reinvents it. The air itself carries something too. Not a smell exactly, but a sensation—like invisible potions are constantly brewing around you, gently shifting something inside you. I left Salem not haunted, but enchanted. Salem and the Witch Trials: A Town Haunted by Hysteria, History, and Humanity Tucked along the rocky coast of Massachusetts, the town of Salem is as charming as any New England postcard: cobblestone streets, clapboard houses, a salty ocean breeze. But behind the pumpkin-scented cafes and quaint antique shops, Salem holds the dark echo of a haunting past—the Witch Trials of 1692 . Che strano how a single year can define a bustling, seaside New England town forever. A Town Possessed by Fear The Salem Witch Trials didn’t begin with witches. The trials began with fear —deeply rooted in religious extremism, social divisions, and the simmering pressure of life in a strict Puritan colony. In the winter of 1692, two young girls—Betty Parris and Abigail Williams—began to convulse, scream, and fall into trances. A local doctor, unable to explain their behavior, blamed witchcraft . What followed was a community unraveling itself from the inside out. Accusations spread like wildfire. Neighbor turned against neighbor. And in a courtroom that allowed dreams, visions, and spectral evidence as testimony, even the innocent stood no chance. By the time it was over: 200 people were accused . 30 were found guilty . 19 were hanged . One man, Giles Corey , was crushed to death for refusing to plead. Many of the accused were women, but not all. And many were outcasts, but not all. Some were devout Christians. Others were respected citizens. What united them wasn’t guilt—it was vulnerability . Why Did It Happen? The trials didn’t emerge from nowhere. They were the result of: Religious dogma : The Puritans believed the devil walked among them. Social tension : Land disputes, power struggles, and old resentments festered in the small community. Misogyny : Independent women, midwives, and those who didn’t conform were often among the first to be accused. Hysteria : In a world without science or psychological understanding, terror took the reins. The Aftermath By the fall of 1692, the fever began to cool. Accusations became too extreme—too many “respectable” people were being named. Governor Phips, whose own wife was accused, dissolved the court and pardoned the rest. But the damage was done. Salem’s name was forever etched into history, not for its architecture or location, but for a moral failure that became a symbol of injustice . Salem Today: A Town in Dialogue With Its Past Modern-day Salem leans into its past with a mix of reverence and showmanship. There are museums, reenactments, Halloween parades, and yes—witch shops. But walk quietly through the Salem Witch Trials Memorial , and you’ll feel it: the weight of history, the sorrow of lives lost, and the lessons we still need to learn. Each stone bench bears the name of a victim, and their last words etched into stone. “I am no witch” or “God knows I am innocent.” Why It Still Matters The Salem Witch Trials remind us how easily fear becomes violence , how dangerous it is to sacrifice truth for certainty, and how quickly justice can vanish when we stop listening to reason. In a way, Salem isn’t just about the past. It’s about now —a mirror reflecting what happens when we let suspicion drown compassion, and let panic replace due process.

#learnitaliannow #learnitalian #eatlikeanitalian #italianfoods Margherita Pizza - A must have when in Italy Pizza Margherita The most popular—not universally accepted—story suggests that Margherita of Savoy, the former queen consort of Italy, visited Naples in June 1889 with her husband, King Umberto I, who was also her first cousin. This visit came shortly after the unification of northern and southern Italy, a time when southern Italy was in need of a morale boost following its loss of independence. According to legend, the queen grew weary of the gourmet French cuisine she had been served during the trip and requested that Raffaele Esposito, the most renowned pizza maker in Naples, prepare her a pizza. The story goes that her favorite pizza was made with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil —ingredients that conveniently represented the three colors of the Italian flag. Esposito named the dish in her honor, and thus, the Margherita pizza was born—though the details of this story remain the subject of much debate. Learn Italian Now If you want to learn more about Italian culture and language, I offer a free, 30-minute consultation. Click here  to send me a message! Ciao! Sara Zanelletti Green, white, and red make up the tri-colori of the Italian flag.

Mastering the Italian accent can elevate your language skills and enhance your performances. Whether you’re an actor preparing for a role or simply looking to communicate more effectively, here’s how to nail the Italian accent. 1. Emphasize Vowels Italian is characterized by its melodic vowels. Unlike English, where vowels can be reduced or slurred, Italian vowels are pronounced clearly. We read every syllable, including the last vowels...Grazie, not Grazi! Forget everything you know about consonants. It's all vowels in Italian. Pay attention to each vowel sound: A as in "casa" (house) should sound like "ah." E in "bene" (good) is pronounced like "eh." I in "vino" (wine) sounds like "ee." O in "solo" (alone) is pronounced "oh." U in "cultura" (culture) sounds like "oo." Practice saying words slowly to ensure every vowel is pronounced distinctly. 2. Roll Your R’s The Italian “R” is often rolled or trilled. This sound is created by allowing your tongue to vibrate against the roof of your mouth. To practice, try saying “arancia” (orange) or “Roma” while focusing on that rolling sound. My students get obsessed with nailing the 'r'!  3. Focus on Intonation and Rhythm Italian speech has a unique musical quality. Sentences often rise and fall, creating a rhythm that feels lively and expressive. Listen to native speakers, especially in films or music, to pick up on their intonation patterns. When asking questions, you might notice a slight rise in pitch at the end, similar to English, but with a more pronounced melodic quality. The way we talk is very colorful so for example "How are you"? if in English the sound goes down, in Italian it goes up and down, up and down.  4. Soften Your Consonants Italian consonants are often softer than in English. For example, the "T" and "D" sounds should be less explosive. Instead of saying “table,” focus on a softer touch, almost like a light tap of the tongue. This approach will help your speech sound more authentically Italian. 5. Use Expressive Gestures While not strictly related to sound, body language plays a crucial role in Italian communication. Italians are known for their expressive gestures, which can enhance your portrayal of the accent. Use your hands to emphasize points, and don’t hesitate to embody the animated nature of Italian conversation. 6. Practice with Authentic Materials Engage with Italian culture through films, music, and podcasts. Watching movies with Italian dialogue and repeating phrases can help you internalize the accent. Focus on how actors enunciate and try to mimic their delivery. Sara Zanelletti 7. Work with Sara Z! For tailored guidance, consider working with a language coach. A coach can provide personalized feedback, helping you refine your pronunciation and intonation. This one-on-one instruction can be invaluable for achieving an authentic sound. Don't take my word for it! Have a look at what my students have to say by clicking the link below. 8. Stay Consistent and Patient and...make a fool of yourself!  Meryl Streep has spoken about the challenges of mastering accents for her roles. She mentioned that when she first attempted to adopt a new accent, she sometimes felt like she was making a fool of herself, and that people would laugh at her efforts. However, she emphasized the importance of perseverance and the willingness to take risks in the pursuit of authenticity. Practice is key. Regularly incorporate these techniques into your daily routine. Set aside time for focused practice, whether it’s through conversation, reading aloud, or using language apps designed for accent training.  By following these steps and immersing yourself in the language, you'll be well on your way to mastering the Italian accent. Remember, confidence is crucial—embrace the beauty of the language, and soon you’ll find yourself speaking with the charming and melodic flair that makes Italian so enchanting!

Learn Italian Now with Sara Zanelletti, Italian Instructor for Entertainment Industry Professionals. Hollywood Meets Italy... Learn Italian Now Hollywood Meets Italy... Learn Italian Now Hollywood Meets Italy... Learn Italian Now Hollywood Meets Italy... Learn Italian Now with Sara Zanelletti Italian Language Instructor for Entertainment Industry Professionals Former Cirque du Soleil Performer Published Author Podcast Sara Z La La Land Stories Italian Language Expert ... and Your Next Italian Instructor Learn More Contact Sara Experience 1,000 I have taught hundreds of students to speak and elevate their understanding of Italian. 7 My career has taken me to many countries. Immersing yourself in a culture is a trusted method to advancing your knowledge of a language. 4 Language is a passion for me. I speak 4 languages fluently and I continue to learn more each day. 4 Four major production studios have enlisted my services to provide today's actors with expert language & vocal coaching. Collaborations I have had the pleasure of working with several members from each of the productions showcased. See More "I love Sara. She makes learning Italian fun by incorporating it into every interaction she has with me. She's extremely patient and takes the time to explain the simplest things without making me feel silly. She goes beyond basic Italian by teaching me the slangs and physical social interactions that native Italians use to communicate. I highly recommend her and plan to continue training with her myself." Mark H. - Actor - Los Angeles

Contact Sara for information on personalized Italian lessons. Say Hello Email or Call Sara Z I am currently accepting new clients Phone (310) 880-5189 Email sara@learnitaliannow.com Sara Zanelletti Sara Zanelletti Sara Zanelletti Sara Zanelletti First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting! contactme Let's meet! Do you live in the LA area? I offer in person lessons. My office hours are flexible . Hours listed below standard business hours. Address Los Angeles, CA Office Hours Monday - Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday & Sunday Weekend hours available! Previously, https://www.myitalianlessons.com . "I love Sara. She makes learning Italian fun by incorporating it into every interaction she has with me. She's extremely patient and takes the time to explain the simplest things without making me feel silly. She goes beyond basic Italian by teaching me the slangs and physical social interactions that native Italians use to communicate. I highly recommend her and plan to continue training with her myself." Mark H. - Actor - Los Angeles

Get to know more about Sara Zanelletti, published author, Italian native, and language expert. About Me. Ciao a tutti! Sara Zanelletti here. Piacere! I'm so excited to meet all of you. I'm from the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy. While studying dance in Milan, I was discovered by Cirque du Soleil and moved to Las Vegas. I performed as a lead ballerina for Cirque, but found my way to Los Angeles where I pursued acting, writing, and many other facets of the entertainment business. In 2022, my book, 'Non ho chiesto l'America ' , was published. A dream come true. I'm also the creator and producer of social media show 'Sara Z - La La Land Stories ' , where I interview public figures in English and Italian. However, regardless of where I turn, I always find myself back at my true passion, teaching the Italian language. More from Sara Zanelletti More from Sara Zanelletti More from Sara Zanelletti More from Sara Zanelletti Out Now! Barnes and Noble Amazon On Spotify Sara Zanelletti (Sara Z) incontra, da Los Angeles, grandi ospiti provenienti da ogni parte del mondo. Racconti di vita dai quali trarre ispirazione. Translation: Sara Zanelletti (Sara Z) meets, from Los Angeles, great guests from all over the world. Life stories from which to draw inspiration. Follow Sara On Insta Follow Sara On Insta Follow Sara On Insta Follow Sara On Insta Working with Clients From "I love Sara. She makes learning Italian fun by incorporating it into every interaction she has with me. She's extremely patient and takes the time to explain the simplest things without making me feel silly. She goes beyond basic Italian by teaching me the slangs and physical social interactions that native Italians use to communicate. I highly recommend her and plan to continue training with her myself." Mark H. - Actor - Los Angeles